The Free State tutor teams have over the past three years received and been provided with knowledge on Disability Awareness and Inclusive Teaching from PULSE. Reason is that these three teams work in inclusive bands, bands that accommodate a larger percentage of members living with disabilities than what most field bands do. As a way of making sure that the knowledge that has been passed on has been helpful and sufficient, these teams were asked to give a presentation at 16 March at Dance Café.

All three teams had the same set-up task that included reflection questions regarding the past, the present and the future in the bands. Each team also needed to solve a case. The aim of the task was to hear about the teams’ experiences and ability to make use of the knowledge on disability awareness and inclusive teaching they have obtained, and reflect around their own development.

Sindisiwe Ngcobo presenting together with the rest of the Kroonstad team

Pearl Ramatshella and Ntembeko Ntweni presenting together with the rest of the Viljoenskroon team

Ludwe Sabani presenting together with the rest of the Parys team

Parys, Viljoenskroon and Kroonstad all conducted a 45-minute presentation each. Almost all staff members were involved and the audience for the presentation consisted of both internal and external stakeholders. A special thank you to the representatives from City of Joburg for taking the time to spend the morning with us.

In addition to the presentation, a band consisting of tutors and members from Alexandra, Soweto and the new CoJ bands (City of Joburg) gave all the people attending a real field band welcome at the entrance of the venue.

Phumzile Twala and Bongani Goliath, POs in Alexandra field band and Soweto field band, contributed to the event by sharing some personal experiences. They gave the audience real and touching stories about how it is to be a part of a field band, both as a member and as staff.

Phumzile Twala

Bongani Goliath

All Free State teams did an incredible job that exceeded all expectations. The presentations were filled with passion, insight, humour and good reflections. Every single one of them stepped into the part as high-level presenters, and PULSE couldn’t be more proud. The teams are doing a remarkable job out on the ground, and the members of the Free State bands are truly fortunate to have these young leaders as their role models.

Parys team

Viljoenskroon team

Kroonstad team

PULSE would like to thank all attendees for taking the time to be there, the band for performing and the Free State teams for embracing this challenge as real Super Heroes!